. The project is most notable for its explicit documentation of his teenage daughters' physical development through puberty, a work that has faced intense criticism and accusations of exploitation. The Video Series
It is within this mature, reflective context that we encounter . At first glance, the title suggests nature, biology, or the wholesome passage of time. But in the hands of Larry Rivers, "growing" is a loaded, ironic, and deeply visceral concept. This article explores the history, formal qualities, and thematic depth of this lesser-known but crucial work, revealing why Growing remains a pivotal piece in understanding Rivers’ late-career genius. growing 1981 larry rivers
The legacy of this specific project is marked by a significant divide between artistic intent and the privacy of the subjects involved. At first glance, the title suggests nature, biology,
The daughters have spent years seeking the return of the footage to ensure it is never made public, while the Foundation initially sought to keep the materials restricted during the daughters' lifetimes rather than destroying them. The legacy of this specific project is marked
To delve deeper into Larry Rivers' work from 1981 or his overall artistic growth, I recommend consulting art historical texts, museum collections, and databases that specialize in modern and contemporary art. If you have a specific aspect of his work or a particular piece in mind, providing more details could help narrow down the search.
: The work is often cited as an example of Rivers' tendency to blur the lines between his personal life and his art, often at the expense of those closest to him.
Currently, Growing (1981) resides in a private collection in New York, though it was exhibited as part of the Larry Rivers: The Last Decade retrospective at the Jewish Museum (then traveling to the Corcoran Gallery) in the mid-1990s. If you are attempting to locate this piece for academic study, your best resource is the Larry Rivers Foundation archives. The work is rarely traded, as it is considered a crown jewel of his late period.